Te Awamutu charity helps those who can't help themselves

Te Awamutu woman Angela Sylvia with rescue cat Poppy.

Angela Sylvia admits she's crazy about animals.

She is drawn to the ones that need a little extra help, like four kittens that were dumped on a friend's farm.

Angela's Sylvia's neighbours lend a helping hand with rescue kittens. From left, Dylan Leigh, Daynah Te Wake and Maori Te Wake.

The kittens are just one example of many animals the Te Awamutu woman has rescued under her charity Ang's ARC (Animal Rescue Centre).

Miss Sylvia currently houses around 50 rescue animals — everything from cats and dogs to birds and bunnies.

She currently houses around 50 rescue animals - everything from cats and dogs to birds and bunnies.

The charity rescues animals and sells them to new and loving owners.

With the help of medicine and love, Miss Sylvia gives animals a second chance at life — a service she says fills a need in Te Awamutu.

For Miss Sylvia, taking care of the animals is a 24/7 responsibility.

She hears about needy animals through word of mouth or local vets.

The work is rewarding and therapeutic, she says.

"I've never been without an animal — they gravitate towards me.

"Animals have nobody out there to stick up for them. I can be their voice."

Also at Ang's ARC is Jackie O, a cat with diabetes insipidus — a rare disorder that affects her ability to concentrate urine. She drinks 1.2 litres of water a day.

All rescued cats are put through a cat de-sexing programme.

Miss Sylvia also takes care of several birds.

She rescued a flightless Indian Ringneck parakeet named Kiwi.

Before being saved Kiwi was housed with lovebirds that weren't very loving. They chewed off her feathers and toes.

There are also former battery-caged hens.

"When they came to me they couldn't walk," she says.

"They've been squashed in a cage their whole life and are hunched up. Their beaks have been trimmed, too.

"It's heart-breaking. But with only three months' care they are healthy again and laying beautiful eggs."

The rescue centre operates on a donation basis.

Miss Sylvia is interested in hearing from people who can volunteer to foster animals or those who can donate pet food, toys, cat crates or money.

After-hours viewings are available by appointment. Contact adoptatangsarc@yahoo.com or 027 319 1874.